CHICAGO--Industrial production edged up in June and helped a
closely-watched measure of broader U.S. economic activity recover some
ground as policymakers wrestle with further potential stimulus
measures.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said Monday its National Activity
Index improved to -0.15 in June from a revised -0.48 in May, while its
more-representative three-month moving average rose to -0.20 from
-0.38.
A negative reading for the activity index, a compendium of available
and forecast economic data, points to below-trend growth. The U.S. has
been below trend for four straight months, according to the index, a
sign that inflationary pressures remain low as energy and other
commodity costs moderate.
Production-related indicators were again the big swing factor, rising
to 0.13 in June after a slide to -0.27 in May as auto and machinery
output declined.
Consumption and housing indicators edged up slightly to -0.23, while
the impact of data on employment was neutral and that from sales,
orders and inventories declined to -0.06.
The index was compiled using data available July 19.
Write to Doug Cameron at doug.cameron@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 23, 2012 08:30 ET (12:30 GMT)
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